almost there...

We had more visitors in August: my friend, Joy, and her family come to GR once a year for a few weeks. We always have such a good time!

Here we are waiting for their company at the downtown market:

Sylvia trying to hula-hoop

Andrew may have a slight crush on this girl, Megan :)

Another day, we spent some time at Meijer Gardens.  Everyone is looking for fish or turtles in the pond below

Andrew's first day of preschool at Grand Rapids Christian Elementary.   We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful school just a few blocks away.  Andrew goes there 3 mornings a week, and most mornings we are even able to walk there.  So spoiled!

Andrew by his locker.  A few tears were shed by him and me soon after I took this picture :(

When Andrew is at school, I get some good one-on-one time with this sweet girl!

summer catch up continued...

In July, we thought we would try blueberry picking. I have fond memories of picking blueberries as a kids so I was thrilled when Grandma Huizinga suggested we take Andrew and Sylvia out. Andrew had a blast! Sylvia more enjoyed wandering around and checking out everyone's buckets:

We also visited the Grand Rapids Public Museum with my sister, Sara, and her family.  The theme was games and Legos so we figured we couldn't go wrong.  Here is Sylvia playing with 'spinnies.'

Grandpa Huizinga showing the kids how to play dominoes.

A gigantic Connect 4

Building with Legos, of course

And finally going for a ride on the carousel

Another event we like to attend is the Kent County Youth Fair in Lowell.  The kids had the most fun on this tractor/playground.

playing summer catch up!

It's been a LONG time since I made a post, but I'm going to do my best to play catch-up and show some pics of what we have been up to this summer. First and foremost I need to announce that we are expecting baby #3 February 8, 2015. We are extremely excited (maybe a little nervous)! I can say that I have been blessed with minimal morning sickness, but the fatigue is unreal!

Back in June we took a weekend trip to Chicago with some friends from church.  The main highlight was Brookfield Zoo.  It was an amazing place and the weather was gorgeous too.

Cooling down thanks to these mist-making animals

Our tradition on the morning of July 4 is to walk over to a local neighborhood parade called the Hollyhock Parade.  Andrew is showing a little sibling love before we head out the door.

Back at home we had to take a look through all the candy that was collected and take a sample or two  :)

That evening we headed over to East Grand Rapids to watch the fireworks over Reeds Lake.  Sylvia tried cotton candy for the first time and was a bit unsure.

The kids played in the boat launch to help pass some time

Soon after these pictures, Sylvia and I headed home while Andrew and Ryan stayed for the fireworks.  Grandma Huizinga joined them a bit later.  Andrew watched the fireworks for the first time and absolutely loved it!  He jumped up and down and exclaimed "did you see that one?" after every firework...a great memory that won't soon be forgotten by Ryan and Grandma.

singing, playing, and visiting Chicago

Caught this girl sitting on the stairs and singing

Running through puddles first thing in the morning (yes, they are still wearing their pj's)

Story time out on the deck (such a treat in Michigan)

Sylvia got a new sprinkler for her birthday and we finally got the perfect day to use it.  She was a little unsure about it at first, but as you can see she eventually warmed up and had a great time!

We headed to Chicago on Sunday with my parents to visit Matthew, Eric, Sara, and Dayana.  The perfect place to meet up is of course "The Bean."  As you can see, I'm still working on my selfie :)

Andrew under 'The Bean.'

Then we headed over to the fountains in Millennium Park.  The kids had a blast!

Sylvie was again and little apprehensive at first but playing with Dayana made it so much more fun.



Andrew has always wanted to ride on a city bus.  Where better to do that than in Chicago...on an accordion bus...with your cousin?

Back at Uncle Matt's apartment, Dayana played with Sylvia's hair

The end result:

Then we headed of to Lincoln Park Zoo to sit on some brass hippos

...and look at a swimming polar bear

The day trip to Chicago was a success!